Social Plan to identify service and infrastructure needs

A new reference group, endorsed by Council last night, will help steer development of Noosa’s new social plan.

The Noosa Social Plan 2016-2023 will identify gaps in services and infrastructure across the shire and develop priorities and aspirations for the next seven years.

“Social planning is important for our communities – it can help identify a need for community facilities and services and support the case for their construction,” Cr Frank Pardon said.

“The new social plan will spell out areas of need and disadvantage and help us identify where we may be lacking infrastructure and service delivery.

“It can also bring to light opportunities to advocate for external funding for resources, facilities and services, and help identify social issues, both shire-wide and across specific regions,” Cr Pardon said.

Like the original social plan, the new plan will incorporate demographic profiling, census data, research and information collected through community engagement activities.

The Social Plan Reference Group includes Council staff, representatives of government agencies, not-for-profit groups and community members. It will work closely with Council’s Community Development Unit.

The new social plan will be instrumental in defining Council’s role in delivering human and social services for the next seven years, Cr Pardon said.

19 December 2014